Archaeologists say they may have discovered one of the earliest examples of a 'crayon' -- possibly used by our ancestors 10,000 years ago for applying color to their animal skins or for artwork.
Read Article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180126095323.htm Scientists in Finland have shown that sauna bathing is associated with a variety of health benefits. Using an experimental setting this time, the research group now investigated the physiological mechanisms through which the heat exposure of sauna may influence a person’s health. Their latest study with 100 test subjects shows that taking a sauna bath of 30 minutes reduces blood pressure and increases vascular compliance, while also increasing heart rate similarly to medium-intensity exercise.
Read Article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180105124005.htm A new robotic “bee” can fly, dive, swim and leap out of the water, and it’s totally adorable to boot.
“RoboBee” is an aerial-to-aquatic robot that weighs just six-thousandths of an ounce (175 milligrams). These bots were first reported in 2014 in the journal Bioinspiration and Biomimetics, when — after 12 years of trying — Harvard roboticists finally got the tiny, fly-inspired devices to flutter. Since then, they’ve been adding functions. Now, they’ve made a robot that can swim and fly. “This is the first microrobot capable of repeatedly moving in and through complex environments,” Yufeng Chen, who co-authored a paper describing the new technology while a graduate student at Harvard University. “We designed new mechanisms that allow the vehicle to directly transition from water to air, something that is beyond what nature can achieve in the insect world.” [7 Cool Animal-Inspired Technologies] Read Article: https://www.livescience.com/60816-tiny-adorable-robobee-does-it-all.html When it comes to the threat of extinction, size matters
Animals in the Goldilocks zone -- neither too big, nor too small, but just the right size -- face a lower risk of extinction than do those on both ends of the scaleRead Article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170918132732.htm Researchers have developed a flexible organic battery made from organic composites using “natural feedstock” for use in medical devices. The battery biodegrades safely and may have applications in consumer electronics within 5 years.
Read Article: https://futurism.com/new-flexible-organic-battery-could-revolutionize-medical-implants/ Researchers have created an original music composition for Monday's eclipse. They used drums, synthesized tones, and other sounds to symbolize the movements of the sun and moon and the gradual darkness they will produce during the August 21 event.
Read Article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170821105747.htm Read Article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170821105747.htm With scientists unwilling to toss cats off buildings for experimental observation, science has been unable systematically to study the rate at which they live after crashing to the ground.
In a 1987 study of 132 cats brought to a New York City emergency veterinary clinic after falls from high-rise buildings, 90% of treated cats survived and only 37% needed emergency treatment to keep them alive. One that fell 32 stories onto concrete suffered only a chipped tooth and a collapsed lung and was released after 48 hours. From the moment they're in the air to the instant after they hit the ground, cats' bodies are built to survive high falls, scientists say. Read Article: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17492802 A fascinating article about "rotor sails", a new, more efficient way to power ocean-going ships.9/6/2017
Early next year, a tanker vessel owned by Maersk, the Danish transportation conglomerate, and a passenger ship owned by Viking Cruises will be outfitted with spinning cylinders on their decks. Mounted vertically and up to 10 stories tall, these “rotor sails” could slash fuel consumption up to 10%, saving transportation companies hundreds of thousands of dollars and cutting soot-causing carbon emissions by thousands of tons per trip.
Read Article: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/09/spinning-metal-sails-could-slash-fuel-consumption-emissions-cargo-ships Polystyrene foam, best known under the brand name Styrofoam, is a plastic with lots of uses. It insulates coolers and refrigerators. It cushions electronics for safe shipping. It holds drinks, yogurt and other tasty foods. It also makes a great snack for mealworms. And that could point to a new way to get rid of this long-lived plastic.
Read Article: https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/mealworms-chow-down-plastic |
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